I break films into three categories, art, entertainment and the rare breed of both mixed together. Entertainment films are just that, pure entertainment, they aren't trying to teach you anything, they are not overly beautiful in any way, they are just a great way to kill 2 hours. (Perfect example: Raiders of the Lost Ark) Art films, these are made more for the artist's satisfaction than the audience's, they have a distinctive quality that may connect with certain people, but they are generally not understood by a large amount of people. (Example: The Cook the Thief His Wife & Her Lover) Easily my favorite category is the mix of both, A&E so to speak, sorry. Films that are deeply personal to their film-makers, that also create a great time for the audience watching them. The Matrix is that incredible mix of the two, for me it was the best time I've ever had in a movie theater, but underlying that there is so much more. A film that is philosopically deep and gorgeous to look at.

"Throughout human history, we have dependent on machines to survive. Fate.. it seems, is not without a sense of irony."

The Matrix (1999) became my favorite film the day it was released. I was lucky enough to see it about a week before the release date, I was blown away. I couldn't wait to see it again. When I saw it for the 2nd time, the day it was released, I knew that it was my favorite movie of all time.

My love for this film began a few years before I'd even ever heard of it. Being a film lover I was thinking about a film that I would like to make. It's almost creepy how close The Matrix came to my vision, but the Wachowski's made it even better. I wanted my story to revolve around a conspiracy involving all mankind and that's what the Matrix is. I wanted this conspiracy being committed by aliens, The Matrix had artificial intelligence. I wanted to shoot it film-noir style, the Wachowskis did. I wanted kung-fu, courtesy of Woo-ping Yuen they had some of the best I've every seen. I wanted lots of gun-play, The Matrix had easily the coolest fight scenes ever created. I wanted top-of-the-line f/x, they invented their own. (Bullet-time) I wanted a great lead actor, they had Keanu Reeves. Well, everything couldn't be perfect.

Keanu Reeves is one of my most hated actors, he's terrible, god-awful and everything inbetween. When I first heard about this movie, I thought it could be great, or it could just be horrible ala Johny Mnemonic. Keanu is actually decent in this role, he's confused for most of the film, and that's what he plays best. There are a few moments that make me cringe, but the "whoa!" line isn't one of them. (This is a well intended joke by the brothers making fun of Keanu's past films.) Everyone else in the cast is great. Lawrence Fishburne has a lot of fun in his Obi-Wan role. I can't imagine another actress in the role of Trinity, Carrie-Anne Moss has a star making performance. Hugo Weaving is perfect as Agent Smith, one of the best film villains since Darth Vader. Everyone else is great, they all fit perfectly into their roles.

This is a film that I think is not truly appreciated yet. I think in about 10 years, after the trilogy is finished, and people have let it sink in. That this series will be talked about like it's Star Wars. Much like Star Wars, it will be cited as another turning point in cinema. This is maybe the first film to use all the incredible tools that are available to the fullest. To tell a great story, not to just show off.

And it is a great story, the film has to be seen multiple times to really catch all of it. There is tremendous amount of material to work with. I am dying to see the sequels, I think they can only improve on the first one. These are sequels that need to be made. I can't wait to find out what happens to Neo and his crew as they try to take down the Matrix. How are they going to do it? What kind of abillities is Neo going to have, now that he has fully realized his potential? (It's going to be the best kung-fu ever filmed, that's for sure.) Who is the Matrix going to bring in to stop him? (I know that Jet Li might show up. And that Agent Smith will be back.) I'm anticipating these films far more than the next 2 Star Wars, that's something I never would have said a little more than a year ago.

Things I love about this film.

Things I don't like.

"For me, stealing's always been a lot like sex. Two people who want the same thing: they get in a room, they talk about it. They start to plan. It's kind of like flirting. It's kind of like... foreplay, 'cause the more they talk about it, the wetter they get. The only difference is, I can fuck someone I've just met. But to steal? I need to know someone like I know myself."

The Wachowski Brothers first film was Bound (1996), it's a cool little gangster flick. The film is mostly famous for the lesbian subplot between Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon. The story starts with the blossoming love between these two, it's a slow begining, but necessary for the film. The film picks up quickly as we move into the 2nd act, when Tilly's mafia boyfriend Ceaser, (played by Matrix's Cypher, actor Joe Pantoliano) brings home 2 million dollars covered in blood. The girls decide they are going to steal the money and frame Ceaser.

The film gets quite compelling as the plan goes into action, and of course in typical movie fashion, everything doesn't go as planned. The Wachowski's are very effective at building up some very tense moments. Moments your not sure how the characters are going to escape from.

Bound is an incredible debut film. It shows that from the very start that they know how to plot a film. There is some wonderful photography, they always keep the camera moving, and shoot from interesting angles. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it.

Things I love about this film.

Things I don't like.